In Leeds, nearly 3,000 low-income families and pregnant women are encouraged to participate in the Healthy Start scheme, a national initiative designed to enhance the diets of pregnant women and children up to the age of four.
Recent statistics reveal that these households are not currently benefiting from the program, which also extends eligibility to all pregnant women under the age of 18. This scheme aims to provide essential nutritional support to those in need within the community. Eligible individuals in Leeds can receive monthly payments through the Healthy Start scheme, which can be used to purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables, dried or canned pulses, cow’s milk, or infant formula based on cow’s milk.
Despite the increasing need due to the cost-of-living crisis, participation in the program is currently lagging, with only 68% of the over 8,000 eligible families in the city utilizing the benefits. With 24.6% of children in Leeds living in families on relative low income as of 2020/21, Leeds City Council is actively encouraging all qualifying residents to sign up for the scheme.
To be eligible for Healthy Start, applicants must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and must be receiving certain types of government benefits:
Income Support.
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Child Tax Credit (with a family income of £16,190 or less per year).
Universal Credit (with a family take-home pay of £408 or less per month).
Pension Credit (which includes the child addition).
You are also eligible for the Healthy Start scheme if you are under 18 and pregnant, regardless of whether you receive any benefits or tax credits.
Benefits you’ll receive:
£4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
The Healthy Start prepaid card is accepted at most retailers that sell eligible healthy food items and milk products and accept Mastercard®. Every four weeks, the card is automatically reloaded with funds to help cover the cost of these nutritious essentials.
In Leeds, several vendors at Kirkgate Market support the Healthy Start scheme, offering excellent value on a variety of healthy foods:
- Greenzone, located at units 280 & 282 in the 1875 Hall
- Neils Quality Greengrocers, at unit D in the 1904 Hall
- The Nut Shop, at unit V in the 1904 Hall
- Tony Banks Fresh Fruit and Veg, at unit 227 along the fish and game row
- Whitakers Eggs and Cheese, at units 324 & 325 on the fish and game row
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles said:
“The Healthy Start scheme is there to help families increase the amount of fruit and vegetables they eat, and give their children a great start in life. We know that a good diet in pregnancy and in the first few years of life is essential for prevention of disease and to ensure children reach their full potential for growth and development. It’s a great scheme and we want to ensure that everyone who is eligible is making the most of it and not missing out on support for them and their family.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education said:
“We’re delighted that traders in Kirkgate Market have decided to get involved in the Healthy Start scheme, supporting our communities to gain access to fresh fruit and vegetables. As a city, we want to make sure all children have the start in life that they deserve, so don’t hesitate to apply for the scheme if you are eligible.”
Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health said:
“It’s really important to ensure every child in Leeds has the right conditions for the best start in life. This is a priority for improving the health of the city. The Healthy Start scheme can be a lifeline for many pregnant women and families with children under 4 in Leeds, acting as a nutritional safety net and enabling them to buy more milk, fruit and vegetables and claim vitamins. We’re really keen to make people aware of this and encourage and support all eligible families to sign up to the scheme.”
To apply for the Healthy Start scheme, you can visit the official website at www.healthystart.nhs.uk, send an email to healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk, or call the helpline at 0300 330 7010. Applicants will receive a plastic card that is automatically credited with funds.
For assistance with the application process, you can reach out to Digital Health Hubs – 100% Digital Leeds at www.digitalinclusionleeds.com
If you’re interested in promoting the Healthy Start scheme in your local area, you can access resources from the NHS Healthy Start communications toolkit available at NHS Healthy Start Communications Toolkit.
